Senate Billygate panel: 'poor judgment, no crime'

By
WITH ANALYSIS FROM MONITOR CORRESPONDENTS AROUND THE WORLD,
EDITED BY RANDY SHIPP /
October 3, 1980

Washington

After a two-month investigation of Billy Carter's $220,000 Libyan dealings, a special Senate subcommittee has issued a 249-page report charging poor judgment in dealing with the matter -- but has found no evidence of criminal violations or deliberate wrong- doing. But one Republican senator said the investigation shows "a clear pattern of misconduct" by the administration.

The report said the Justice Department did not show the President's brother favoritism in permitting him to register late as a Libyan agent without penalty, and said the White House did not try to influence the decision. However, individual members differed widely in their views, and some said the subcommittee should have rebuked administration officials involved more strongly.